Waterloo, Canada
22 Dupont St E
N/A
+1 8557720424
Kerbside pickupOnline estimatesDeliveryIn-store pick-upIn-store shoppingOn-site services not available
Repair services
I have been yearning for a new guitar after spending quarantine playing extensively. Folkway was recommended to me by a music industry pal, and I spent lots of time on their excellent website before driving to Waterloo for a store visit (when provincial regulations allowed it). I'm glad that I made the trip; the showroom is a joy, and being able to try so many high calibre instruments made me feel like a kid in a candy shop. I was zeroing in on a number of different Martin choices ranging from 00-28, OM-28, and a D28, before finally settling on the dreadnought. Mike was very helpful throughout the process, leaving me alone to play but also answering questions during the two hours or so I was in the store. Ultimately, he helped push me in the right direction simply by pointing out how my body language changed when I was playing the D28 — and that's the kind of feedback that really helps. Ryan was able to install a strap button and a K&K passive pickup on the same day, so I left happy with my new guitar set up and ready to go. I also really enjoyed chatting with the other patrons, and comparing the different instruments we were checking out. Highly recommended if you're searching for a high-end guitar.
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I found out about Mark and Folkway through a referral from a very high end guitar builder locally, when I was looking to have a long list of repairs done to my 1962 J45. I was told that he is the best when it comes to vintage Gibson acoustics and after some more research his name is floated around along with the best luthiers in both Canada and the US. I picked the guitar up a few days ago and could not be happier, it sounds and plays better than I ever dreamed. His blogs are very informative and just shows how much passion he has for his work. On top of the incredible level of work done in the shop, this store is probably the best guitar store I’ve ever seen. Tons of incredible vintage instruments along with beautiful new ones and friendly and inviting staff that clearly enjoy what they do. I can’t wait to go back to find my next guitar. Thanks Mark for all the amazing work you did on an instrument with a lot of sentimental value.
I have heard that Folkway Music has a fantastic reputation for selling quality instruments and providing excellent customer service and can now confirm that this is true. I recently purchased a Martin 000-28EC from the store and could not be happier with my new guitar. The customer service I received over the phone and in person was polite, friendly and efficient. I did not have much time to make my purchase but with Rich's help I was able to pick up my new guitar within an hour of calling the store to inquire about it initially. I have complete confidence in the store's staff and will not hesitate to come back for any service or repairs I may require in the near future. Thanks for the pleasant transaction!
I had my first visit in Folkway Music recently, and wow! Love this store, a great selection of vintage instruments and very helpful staff. I recently took up lap steel, and trying to figure out what string gauges are needed for particular tunings can be a bit daunting (unlike guitar which is pretty straight forward), they walked through the process with reccomandations and put together a set of individual strings to fit my needs. While I only bought strings, customer service like that might just bring me back for my next vintage purchase. I'm always appreciative of good customer service...
My wife and I came in after doing some other business in town looking for some ukulele sheet music, and while they have a really good selection of stringed instruments that we could see, there really isn't a selection of sheet music in the store (I get it, changing business concept). The selection of guitars, ukuleles and mandolins was really quite good, and all labelled well. Many of them a bit out of my personal price range, but the variety was good. I'm sure that the quality of the instruments are all quite good, and some would say that you get what you pay for, but the price concern is just my own personal opinion and could be a bit off. We did get a suggestion for where to get the sheet music I was looking for (unfortunately didn't work out as the Google entry for that place turned out to be a residential address), and we went on our way. I did kind of feel a little bit like once it was known that I was just looking for sheet music, and they didn't have any for my instrument, that was that and back behind the counter the staff member went without a "is there anything else I can show you today?" I wasn't really looking for a big ticket purchase, but it did feel a little unceremonious in the end.
Great service and a great team their to help with sll your instruments needs. A
Folkways reminds me of going to the market with my Mom as a kid. It was a social event brimming with chats. There are so many truly beautiful vintage classic instruments. The gents working there are knowledgeable helpful and kind. Always a pleasure to visit. Covid care is in place. Thanks
BEST guitar shop I've ever been, period. Super kind staff who know their collection and love their work. If you live/travel near this area, you should go and check this place out. You can find both fine vintage and modern guitars here. Just go and visit them. You'll fall in love with this place.
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